VANCOUVER — There’s something about playing in the cosy confines of BC Place that apparently doesn’t sit well with the Calgary Stampeders. The Stamps haven’t won at this venue since Oct. 31, 2009, the most recent loss the final game of the 2013 regular season. It’s the same setting this year, but with a different outcome dancing in their heads.

From experience, the big man who answers to Biscuit understands it’s not always a straight-line to the quarterback. There are often large, difficult-to-budge obstacles involved in getting to the desired destination. And in helping someone else get there, as well.

On his 30th birthday, Jon Cornish was forced to skip work due to a concussion, so there wasn’t a chance to celebrate another double bauble. Chew on this though: The Calgary Stampeders star running back is the team’s nominee for both most outstanding player and most outstanding Canadian, despite playing only half the CFL season.

When Rene Paredes watched a ball he struck with some authority from 32 yards out on snowy Saturday afternoon clank off the upright and drop depressingly to the turf, it was really a microcosm of his entire season.

In assessing the violence, the risk, inherent in his sport, legendary Green Bay Packers’ coach Vince Lombardi came up with a unique slant. “Ballet,” he once reasoned, “is a contact sport. Football is a collision sport.”

The 18-13 loss against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on a wintry Saturday afternoon took its toll physically on the Calgary Stampeders, with a couple of key individuals out for the regular season finale in Vancouver. The Stampeders announced on Monday morning that both running back Jon Cornish and receiver Maurice Price will not play in the game against the B.C. Lions on Friday night.